Description
Book SynopsisEngaging audiences through costumed staff at museums and historic sites is one of the most effective ways to interpret the past for a public used to multimedia presentations on their TVs and computers. Here, David Allison, who has worked at several museums known for effective enactments, provides:the fascinating stories of three large living history museums as they adapt to changing audience expectations. a solid overview of the types of interpretation that living history museums use. best practices (and practices for you to avoid) from the reams of data and studies compiled by evaluators over the past 10 years. an exploration of the the intersection of public history, individual agency, and business imperatives at museums and historic sites. Living History: Effective Costumed Interpretation and Enactment at Museums and Historic Sites looks at the history of these compelling techniques, provides best practices and strategies for implementing them today, and provides a roadmap for t
Trade ReviewWhatever you think of living history, this book offers a much-needed fresh look at the interpretive method and cautions that it must adapt to remain effective. Allison’s voice of experience guides the reader through recent changes and his mixture of interviews, scholarship and personal anecdotes makes it an easy read. -- Tim Grove, author of "A Grizzly in the Mail and Other Adventures in American History" and co-editor of "The Museum Educator's Manual"
Table of Contents1.INTRODUCTION . . Using Living History to Connect with Visitors 2.PUTTING LIVING HISTORY IN CONTEXT 3.MAKING MEANING AND CREATING AUTHENTICITY AT MUSEUMS 4.EXAMINING SUCCESSFUL FIRST-PERSON INTERPRETATION The Power of Children at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis “History Players” at the Minnesota History Center Enactment at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science Theater and Exhibit Actors at the Science Museum of Minnesota 5.OPENING DOORS AT CONNER PRAIRIE 6.“THEY’RE TRYING TO LEARN FOR FREE!” Playing with Living History in Pop Culture 7.CONCLUSION . . Using Living History for Stronger Programing and Education
